Lebanese chick pea stew

We tried this recipe: http://www.arabamerica.com/lebanese-chickpea-stew/ Our modifications: first, based on our pantry, we used a homemade roasted green bell pepper, following these instructions: https://www.daringgourmet.com/how-to-roast-red-peppers/ (see Note below). Second, we used 2 ½ tsp za’atar, 1 tsp crushed red pepper for red pepper flakes, and 1 Tbsp cumin powder (not cumin seeds). Third, we increased the… Continue reading Lebanese chick pea stew

Roasted butternut squash soup with curry condiments

We followed this Ina Garten recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-butternut-squash-soup-and-curry-condiments-recipe-1972725 Our modifications: first, we used 5 shallots instead of 2 onions. Second, rather than heat the broth in the pot, we first added the roasted vegetables to the pot and poured in 4 cups room temperature broth; we found 4 cups to be the right amount for soup… Continue reading Roasted butternut squash soup with curry condiments

Persian beef and split yellow pea stew (khoresht ghymeh)

We tried this recipe: http://theunmanlychef.com/2015/01/11/khoresht-gheimeh/ Our modifications: first, we found that more than 3 cups of broth were required. Over time, as this stew simmered, we gradually added about 2-3 more cups of low sodium chicken broth to keep the stew from reducing too much (it needs enough liquid to braise the beef and lentils,… Continue reading Persian beef and split yellow pea stew (khoresht ghymeh)

Middle Eastern style lentil soup with lemon

After a night of heavy meals, we opted for a light brunch. Recipe here: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016062-red-lentil-soup-with-lemon We used 1 lemon and ½ lime for acidity and balance, and we garnished with fried onions (from an Indian grocery store) instead of fresh cilantro. This recipe can be vegetarian if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.… Continue reading Middle Eastern style lentil soup with lemon

Beef tzimmes

We followed this Joan Nathan recipe: https://www.google.com/amp/s/recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail-amp.asp%3frecipe=1233053 Our modifications: first, we used beef flank and increased the amount to 1.5 lb. Second, rather than dicing the carrots, we cut them into large, 3-inch long diagonals. We also cut each peeled sweet potato into 6-8 wedges (cutting in half crosswise and then cutting each half into… Continue reading Beef tzimmes

Minced turkey and chipotle chili

We tried this NYT recipe, which is based on Mexican pozole: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013041-turkey-and-hominy-chili-with-smoky-chipotle Our modifications: first, we increased the amount of minced turkey from 2 ½ lb to 3 lb. Second, we used yellow and red bell peppers (no green, which imparts a bitter flavor). Third, we used 12 oz beef broth in lieu of beer.… Continue reading Minced turkey and chipotle chili

Chicken, zucchini, and potato soup

We had an abundance of pipian (aka cousa) squash, so we tried this soup: https://web.archive.org/web/20170709080152/http://myhalalkitchen.com/hearty-chicken-zucchini-soup/ Our modifications: 3 pipian squash in lieu of zucchini; two boneless, skinless chicken breasts with one chicken neck (to add depth to the chicken stock); increased garlic cloves to 8; added 6 oz fresh spinach (not frozen) during the last… Continue reading Chicken, zucchini, and potato soup

Chinese minced chicken and corn soup

We tried this recipe from Omnivore’s Cookbook: http://omnivorescookbook.com/chinese-corn-soup/ We used ½ lb minced turkey instead of chicken and 4 egg whites instead of 3 whole eggs. For the first step, we microplaned the ginger and added a shallot to the scallion whites at the first step. At the end of cooking, we added black pepper… Continue reading Chinese minced chicken and corn soup

Korean spicy beef and radish soup

We made this soup loosely based on Maangchi’s recipe: https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/radish-soup However, we made so many modifications (including doubling the original recipe) that I’m rewriting our whole recipe here.  First, cut 1 lb skirt steak (preferably trimmed of fat) into bite-sized pieces, then marinate in the following seasonings for about 15-20 mins (see Note below):  1 ½… Continue reading Korean spicy beef and radish soup

Chinese braised daikon with minced chicken

We tried this Omnivore Cookbook recipe: http://omnivorescookbook.com/braised-daikon/  We peeled one large daikon (approx. 2 lb) and cut it into jewel-shaped 2 inch diagonal chunks. As for the optional ingredients, we added Shaoxing vinegar but omitted the five spice. We also microplaned the ginger rather than mincing it. (May 2017) Note: I prefer another version of… Continue reading Chinese braised daikon with minced chicken